If you’re having problems with the Windows Firewall, there’s a handy free tool from Microsoft that can troubleshoot and fix Firewall issues automatically. The only catch is that it doesn’t currently work with the Windows 8 or 10 Firewall, but there's a workaround for this explained in our advice below.

First, check the Windows Firewall is switched on with our advice.

Troubleshoot the Windows 7 Firewall

If you’re using Windows 7, open a web browser and go to Microsoft's Windows 7 Firewall support page. Next, click Run now to download the tool. Double-click the downloaded file then follow the on-screen instructions.

Windows 10 Firewall fixes

Windows 8 and 10 users can try a manual fix for firewall problems instead. Right-click the Windows taskbar and select Task Manager, then click More details if shown.

Click the Services tab of the Task Manager window, then click Open Services at the bottom. In the window that opens, scroll to Windows Firewall and double-click it.

Select Automatic from the Startup type dropdown menu. Next, click OK and restart your PC to refresh the firewall.